CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Gel - 1.75 fl oz: Paraben-Free, Contains Niacinamide, For Sensitive Skin
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This moisturizer contains beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate, which support skin hydration and barrier function. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation in some individuals, slightly lowers its safety profile. The product is processed, which limits its maximum potential score despite the overall beneficial formulation.
Key ingredients 28
Ceramide APVery Good
Ceramide AP is another type of ceramide that supports the skin's natural barrier. It helps to lock in moisture and protect against environmental damage. It is beneficial for maintaining skin health.
Benefits
Supports skin barrier function and improves hydration.
Ceramide EOPVery Good
Ceramide EOP is crucial for maintaining the skin's lipid barrier and preventing moisture loss. It helps improve skin resilience and texture. It is particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.
Benefits
Enhances skin barrier and prevents moisture loss.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is generally well-tolerated and beneficial for most skin types.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Helps maintain skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.
NiacinamideGood
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. It helps improve skin texture and tone. It is beneficial for reducing redness and irritation.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause mild irritation or redness.
Benefits
Improves skin texture, reduces redness, and enhances skin barrier function.
Ceramide NPGood
Ceramide NP is a lipid that helps restore the skin barrier and retain moisture. It is essential for maintaining healthy skin. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Restores skin barrier and enhances moisture retention.
Sodium HyaluronateGood
Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that helps to hydrate and plump the skin. It is known for its ability to retain moisture and improve skin elasticity. It is beneficial for all skin types, especially dry skin.
Benefits
Hydrates and plumps the skin, improving elasticity.
TocopherolGood
Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It also has moisturizing properties and supports skin health. It is beneficial for maintaining youthful and healthy skin.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Protects against free radical damage and moisturizes the skin.
Aqua/Water/EauNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the application and absorption of the product. It does not provide any direct benefits or risks.
Benefits
Acts as a solvent and carrier for other ingredients.
PropanediolNeutral
Propanediol is used as a solvent and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves product texture and enhances skin feel.
Isononyl IsononanoateNeutral
Isononyl Isononanoate is an emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin. It enhances the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Improves skin texture and provides a soft feel.
CarbomerNeutral
Carbomer is a thickening agent used to stabilize and improve the texture of cosmetic products. It helps in creating a gel-like consistency. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
Dimethicone CrosspolymerNeutral
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to enhance the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products. It provides a silky feel and helps in even application. It is generally non-irritating and safe for use.
Risks
May cause build-up on the skin with prolonged use.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and provides a smooth application.
Cetearyl AlcoholNeutral
Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to soften the skin and improve product texture. It is generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Softens skin and improves product consistency.
Triethyl CitrateNeutral
Triethyl Citrate is used as a stabilizer and fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. It helps to maintain product stability and improve scent. It is generally considered safe for use.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes product and enhances fragrance.
SilicaNeutral
Silica is used as an absorbent and anti-caking agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve product texture and reduce shine. It is generally considered safe for use.
Risks
Inhalation of fine silica particles can be harmful.
Benefits
Improves texture and reduces shine.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products. It helps to maintain product stability and effectiveness. It is used in very low concentrations to ensure safety.
Risks
Can be irritating in high concentrations.
Benefits
Adjusts pH and stabilizes product.
Sodium Lauroyl LactylateNeutral
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is used as an emulsifier and mild surfactant in cosmetics. It helps to blend ingredients and improve product texture. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Improves product texture and emulsifies ingredients.
CholesterolNeutral
Cholesterol is used in cosmetics to help restore the skin barrier and improve moisture retention. It is a natural component of the skin's lipid barrier. It is generally well-tolerated and beneficial for dry skin.
Benefits
Restores skin barrier and enhances moisture retention.
ChlorphenesinNeutral
Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It helps to maintain product safety and stability. It is generally considered safe for use in low concentrations.
Risks
May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and ensures product safety.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is used as a skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster in cosmetics. It helps to improve skin hydration and enhance product preservation. It is generally well-tolerated and safe for use.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Improves skin hydration and enhances preservation.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateNeutral
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is a chelating agent used to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It helps to prevent metal ion contamination and improve product stability. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes formulations and prevents contamination.
Biosaccharide Gum-1Neutral
Biosaccharide Gum-1 is used as a moisturizing and soothing agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve skin hydration and provide a smooth feel. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Moisturizes and soothes the skin.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan Gum is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve product texture and consistency. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
PhytosphingosineNeutral
Phytosphingosine is a lipid that helps to restore the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin. It is generally well-tolerated and safe for use.
Benefits
Restores skin barrier and reduces inflammation.
Benzoic AcidNeutral
Benzoic Acid is used as a preservative in cosmetics to prevent microbial growth. It helps to maintain product safety and extend shelf life. It is generally considered safe for use in low concentrations.
Risks
May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and ensures product safety.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
May cause build-up on the skin with prolonged use.
Benefits
Provides a smooth application and helps retain skin moisture.
Behentrimonium MethosulfateBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Low risk of skin irritation.
Benefits
Conditions and softens the skin.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause irritation in some individuals. It is considered a moderate risk ingredient due to potential skin sensitivity.
Risks
May cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.
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